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A state of local emergency has been declared for the East Kootenay community of Wasa as water levels there continue to rise.

Officials say water levels in Wasa, on the east bank of the Kootenay River, are expected to peak for "at least the next few days."

"The Wildfire Management Branch Unit Crew is in Wasa assisting with sandbagging efforts, we have an automatic sandbagger on site and are completing community assessments," emergency operations centre information officer Loree Duczek said in a written statement.

Local residents are asked to prepare for the possibility of flooding.

"We know there were a number of homes impacted last summer when waters rose in a similar fashion," Duczek said. "This is the time for people to move valuables, and prepare their homes and properties."

Volunteers are in Wasa have opened a warming centre at the Wasa Community Hall and will be providing food and water for the sandbagging crews.